The stunt was the latest controversy to involve Lemon.

Don Lemon can't help but attract controversy.

The CNN Tonight host waded into the debate about President Barack Obama's recent use of the N-word on Marc Maron'sWTF podcast by holding up a sign with the racial epithet written in large capital letters and then asking the audience whether the word offended them. Lemon also tried to conflate the controversy around the N-word with the visual offense caused by the Confederate flag.

Lemon's attempts to provoke debate didn't seem to work judging by the reaction on Twitter, where his actions were met with a storm of ridicule, protest and genuine bewilderment.

Marc Maron provides the thoughtful interview, Don Lemon provides the absurdist comedy. This is the world we live in.